Planning Board approves 29-unit affordable housing project on Cedar Street

The Portland Planning Board approved a major site plan for a five-story, 29-unit multi-family residential building at 15 and 19 Cedar Street. The project, developed by Avesta Housing Corporation, includes 100% affordable units and was approved with conditions regarding parking signage and public easements.

Key points

• The board approved the site plan for application PL003553-2026, which involves a five-story building with 29 dwelling units, all designated as affordable.
• The applicant adjusted the unit mix to include more two-bedroom units in response to neighborhood feedback and property management concerns about family housing needs.
• Public commenter George Rowe raised concerns about the project's financial viability, the separation of this review from the Boys and Girls Club expansion, and the lack of outdoor amenities for residents.
• The board approved conditions requiring the applicant to purchase and install parking signs from the Department of Public Works and establish a public easement for sidewalk encroachment.
• Board members Austin Smith and David Silk recused themselves from the vote, while the remaining members voted in favor of the approval.

Next steps

• The applicant must submit final HVAC equipment selections meeting city noise standards prior to the issuance of a building permit.
• The applicant must establish a public easement for the sidewalk encroachment, to be reviewed by the planning authority and corporation council, before the certificate of occupancy is issued.
• The applicant is responsible for purchasing and installing Cedar Street parking signs in coordination with the Department of Public Works.

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